Galgorm Collection buys Old Inn at Crawfordsburn
The historic Old Inn at Crawfordsburn has been bought by Galgorm Collection in a multi-million-pound deal, Licensed and Catering News can exclusively reveal.
The investment by the owners of Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort and several other properties across Belfast and Antrim, includes a £1 million commitment to further development and extensions to the property.
The company has also confirmed all existing staff in the North Down hotel will be retained once it reopens its doors when hospitality restrictions are lifted.
Galgorm Collection managing director Colin Johnston said: “Galgorm Collection is committed to cementing the region’s reputation as a world-class tourism destination through our property portfolio.
“The Old Inn is one of the region’s most historic and appealing hotels, located in a unique and charming location which makes it a perfect fit for Galgorm.”
The property, which dates back to 1614, was put up for sale in March 2020 after its owner Danny Rice retired after nearly 40 years at the helm.
With a rich history and links to the world-famous local author C.S. Lewis, the iconic thatched-roof property has become one of the country’s top hotels, having received the prestigious accolade of AA Hotel of the Year in 2017/18 after a series of enhancements and extensions.
Occupying a prominent 1.5-acre site in the heart of Crawfordsburn village, the property, set next to the Country Park, boasts 33 bedrooms, two wedding suites, and the 78-seater Lewis restaurant.
As part of its investment, Galgorm Collection now plans to develop the property to the rear of the site.
Colin Johnston added: “With an initial strategic investment of £1 million, we are planning to build upon the hotel’s award-winning credentials and extend the site to incorporate a boutique spa with infinity pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, private cabanas and relax space.
‘New era’
“We’re thrilled to add The Old Inn and its fantastic team to our collection and take this iconic property forward into a new era for tourism and hospitality.
“We are confident we will be in a position to reopen the restaurant and bar mid-to-late May, based on the easing of Government restrictions. Reservations for future stays can be made from 19th April and we look forward to safely welcoming guests back to enjoy a fantastic stay.”
The acquisition of The Old Inn adds to the group’s suite of hospitality assets, which includes the award-winning Galgorm Spa & Golf Resort, the 3AA Rosette River Room Restaurant, Gillies Bar & Grill Restaurant and Fratelli’s. The group also operates Castle Kitchen & Bar at Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Ballymena.
In Belfast, it also operates restaurants Fratelli’s on Great Victoria Street and Café Parisien, offering a French brasserie-style menu in the iconic Robinson & Cleaver building overlooking City Hall on Donegall Square.
Last year, the group confirmed the purchase and refurbishment of its latest hospitality venture, The Rabbit, located in Templepatrick at the site of the former Templeton Hotel, which is due to open on Friday 18 June 2021.
